Chestnut Oak Building Arrives

After much anticipation, dedication and hard work by the Pike County Agribusiness Authority building materials were recently received at the Chestnut Oak Facility. The property will soon provide a multi-use covered arena to be used for equine events, agriculture, concerts, community events, etc. The property was originally purchased in 1996 and initial work was done to construct bathrooms, install trailer hook-ups, purchase a sign, install lighting, and create an open arena by using panels. The property has been in need of a roof over the arena for many years now as the weather frequently canceled events and made the arena less user friendly if it was wet.  After years of trying to secure funding for a roof, a recent OneGeorgia Grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs was awarded to the Agribusiness Authority to help purchase the material. The Pike County Board of Commissioners accepted the grant in September of 2018, essentially kicking off a year's worth of construction, development, and excitement. 

The OneGeorgia Grant provided $150,000.00 towards the total expense of the building, with the Agribusiness covering the rest of the  purchase costs from their limited funding. Through a sealed bid process, Premier Steel from Braselton, Georgia was awarded the project and the building was immediately ordered. Years of hard work and investment into the project finally gained significant momentum on January 30th, 2019 - when the building was finally delivered to the site. The Pike County Public Works Department was on hand to assist with the unloading, and they have also been authorized to provide in-kind services in the form of expanding and leveling the arena area and digging the footings. The spirit of collaboration within the community has brought this long anticipated achievement into Phase 1 of the master plan, and as the word spreads the desire mounts to attend and host events at the property. 

The multi-use facility will be a tremendously marketable asset to our area, as well as a long-desired outdoor recreational amenity for our locals to utilize. Fundraising will begin soon to assist the Agribusiness in constructing the facility, installing lighting, and furnishing the arena with the necessary equipment. Stay tuned for updates as the building is erected and an approximate grand opening event date is announced! If you would like to make a charitable contribution to the Pike County Agribusinss Authority please contact Ginny Blakeney at (678) 588 - 4132.